Mumbai: The upcoming opposition bloc's meeting in Mumbai is drawing attention as strategic discussions about the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and the unveiling of a coalition logo are anticipated.
The meeting, set to take place in the capital city of Maharashtra on August 31 and September 1, is expected to host top leaders from various opposition parties. This conclave holds significance as it brings together leaders from a 26-party opposition alliance, with the prospect of additional regional parties joining its ranks.
The Maharashtra meeting is particularly noteworthy given the current BJP-Shiv Sena government in power in the state. Among the issues on the agenda, seat sharing for the upcoming 2024 elections will be a crucial point of deliberation.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, a key figure in uniting the opposition against the BJP, hinted at the possibility of new political parties joining the alliance during this meeting. While the names of these potential entrants were not revealed, Nitish Kumar emphasised that discussions about electoral strategies and seat sharing would be a central focus.
"We will discuss the INDIA bloc's strategies for next year's general elections during the upcoming meeting in Mumbai. Issues such as seat-sharing will be discussed and several other agendas will be finalised. A few more political parties will join our coalition. I wish to unite the maximum number of parties before the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. I am working in that direction... I have no desire for myself," he said.
Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction) leader Sanjay Raut suggested the likelihood of participation by new political parties from northeast India. The meeting will host prominent leaders from the alliance, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and MPs Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.
Regarding the coalition's logo, Sanjay Raut revealed that it would symbolise the unity of the nation and reflect the energy needed to maintain its cohesion. He stated, "The INDIA (alliance) logo will be unveiled (during the meeting). Discussions are on for the same. We are trying to reach out to 140 crore Indians."
While seat-sharing discussions are reportedly close to finalisation in many states, Milind Deora, a Congress leader involved in the meeting's organisation, noted that a few states might require additional time. He highlighted the evolving collaboration among INDIA partners and cited Maharashtra as a prime example.
As the meeting approaches, the Maha Vikas Aghadi, which includes the Shiv Sena (UBT), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and Congress, has formed committees to oversee various aspects of the event. These committees are tasked with managing media, social media, accommodation, and transportation arrangements.
The upcoming meeting marks the first time the opposition INDIA alliance will convene in a state where none of the member parties hold power. During a previous conclave in Bengaluru, Congress president Kharge and leader Rahul Gandhi expressed a united front against the BJP's ideology in preparation for the 2024 elections.